NNPP demands probe of Kwankwaso over alleged US terror listing

2026-02-13 - 09:59

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies to urgently investigate allegations that the United States listed Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso as a financier of terrorism. In a statement signed by the NNPP National Secretary, Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday, and made available to Vanguard in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, the party said the allegation must not be treated with “kid gloves,” stressing that national security should override political considerations. “No single individual is greater than the country, especially when issues of national security are involved,” the statement read. The party stated that its interactions with Kwankwaso during the three years he was associated with the NNPP raised concerns about his conduct and leadership style. “Our dealings with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in the last three years clearly revealed that he is not a peaceful man, as he brought confusion into a political party that had existed peacefully for 22 years before he joined,” Oginni said. The NNPP further alleged that Kwankwaso created internal crises within the party, including disputes involving the party’s founder, Dr Boniface Aniebonam, who it said provided him the platform to contest the 2023 presidential election. “It is very saddening that Senator Kwankwaso allegedly terrorised everyone he met in the NNPP, including the founder of our party who gave him the platform to contest in 2023 without payment of a dime,” the statement added. The party also referenced proceedings of election tribunals in Kano, following the 2023 general elections, claiming that certain judicial observations had described the Kwankwasiyya movement in controversial terms. According to the NNPP, the party leadership terminated its Memorandum of Understanding with the Kwankwasiyya group shortly after the 2023 elections and subsequently expelled Kwankwaso over alleged anti-party activities and corruption. The party urged both the United States authorities and the Federal Government not to associate it with any alleged acts of terrorism linked to the former presidential candidate, noting that any such actions should be treated as personal. While referencing the reported action by the United States Congress, the NNPP maintained that the development “confirms our fears” and called for immediate action by Nigerian security agencies. “We hereby call for the immediate arrest and investigation of everyone linked with terrorism and banditry in Nigeria. Enough of grandstanding. Nobody should play politics with blood-sucking groups terrorising innocent Nigerians,” Oginni stated. The party also challenged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts in tackling insecurity across the country. “The Federal Government should take the bull by the horns by ensuring that all private individuals and groups linked with terrorism are dealt with without fear or favour. The Tinubu administration should walk the talk for the protection and safety of all Nigerians,” the statement concluded.